Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) is a charity which supports, encourages and promotes the development and delivery of projects aimed at alleviating homelessness and its associated issues in Perth and surrounding areas. CATH is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, based in Perth City Centre.
CATH is committed to treating those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with dignity and respect. Our service users are supported in a non-judgemental, empathetic manner to make informed choices regarding their support, living arrangements and lifestyle choices. Our services are open to anyone in need of them and provided without commitment to change.
Our mission - "Working together to end homelessness"
CATH was founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated volunteers working together to provide services to the homeless of Perth. Food was provided to many through soup kitchens set up in various church halls between 1991 and 1995. The purposeful dedication of these volunteers was steadfast and from this commitment came the CATH Day Centre on the Ladeside in Perth, which opened on 30th October 1995 with one member of staff and numerous volunteers.
Throughout the years CATH has continued to grow and expand its services through the Perth and Kinross local authority strategy for the Homeless. The Day Centre, still in the same location offers breakfasts and lunches every weekday, support and advice as well as bathing and laundry facilities. Outreach and Adult Literacy are also based there. CATH House, our direct access hostel offers emergency accommodation to vulnerable adults. CATH’s holistic support also features a Tenancy Support Team who work closely with people in need of support to manage their own homes and live as independently as possible due to various difficulties they may be experiencing. This support is personalised to the individual with their personal issues, needs and hopes for the future in mind.